/******************************* kf_news1.doc ******************************\ * * * Module : Kf_news1 * * Descript : KiteFlight Newsletter * * Project : KiteFlight * * Modified : 18-Jan-1995 (Wed 23:30) * * * * (c) 1995 by Peter van den Hamer * * * \***************************************************************************/ KITEFLIGHT NEWSLETTER #1 by P. van den Hamer 18-Jan-95 This is the first issue of a newsletter intended to provide information about the KiteFlight program. It contains information for current and potential users of the program. I chose the format of a newsletter because I hope to create new issues whenever there is enough relevant news about KiteFlight. Unlike an FAQ, most information will not be repeated in future versions, so I recommend that you save this file if you are interested in KiteFlight. What's KiteFlight? ------------------ KiteFlight is an MS-DOS program which can simulate the movements of dual-line stunt kites or stunt kite teams. The movements of the kites are controlled by control files written in a kite simulation language called KF1. KiteFlight is useful for visualizing existing routines and as a tool for developing your own routines. KiteFlight (KF) is sold commercially "as an appendix" to the book Stunt Kites II by Nop Velthuizen and Servaas van der Horst (ISBN 90 6868 085 5 for the Enlish version). The commercial floppy also contains software (PLOT) for printing kite plans from the book. KF is useful without the book and PLOT isn't. What is the current version? ---------------------------- Latest version: 1.14 (last finished version in my personal archive) Latest release: 1.14 (demo version and upgrades via Internet) Latest release: 1.05 (on 720K floppy in CD Box via publisher) In other words, there has just been a new release and this, in fact, triggered this first issue of the newsletter. The version currently shipped by my publisher is still 1.05 (this is updated whenever a new batch is created). If you buy and register the floppy, you can get free upgrades to KF 1.xx by Internet. You can register (free) by sending an E-mail message to the author (vdhamer@prl.philips.nl) stating which version you own, where you got it and your address. What's new? ----------- KF 1.14 (Jan 1995, 4th release) * New window with timing info (Help|Info|Run) * Bug fix: Run failed after New * 'port' to new Borland C++ 4.5 compiler * Bug fix: missing-EndFor caused exit to DOS * Graphics screen labelled at start of Run * Solved: error messages caused "memory leak" KF 1.09 (Nov 1994, 3rd release) * KF1 file is compiled from memory instead of from disk (faster & no unexpected overwrite of original file by modified version) * Further improved compilation speed (2-3x) * Automatic saving of option settings * Coaching messages displayed on background KF 1.05 (Sep 1994, 2nd release) * Changed default trail mode to "Always on" * Updated SuperVGA driver * Improved compilation speed (2x) * Bug fix: Run failed after New * Mouse click can now halt animation KF 1.01 (June 1994, 1st release) Where can I get KiteFlight? --------------------------- KiteFlight comes in 5 different flavors: KF - The 'normal' version of KiteFlight with windows-like user interface. This commercial version is sold via kite stores and some book shops. If you cannot find it, order it via Vlieger-Op - a well-known kite store/firm here in Holland. Send them a FAX with your name and address, credit card number, and credit card expiry date. The floppy (ver 1.x) costs 19.50 Dutch guilders (+5.00 shipping?) which is about $15. Their address is: Vlieger-Op / Weteringkade 5a / 2515 AK Den Haag / The Netherlands / phone +31 (0)70 385 85 86 / fax +31 (0) 70 383 85 41. They also sell the Stunt Kites II books. The floppy and book are also sold via the 'bookstore' page of the American kite magazine "Kite Lines". KFC - Same functionality as KF, but with a simpler (command-line & menu) user interface. It is (still) included in the commercial package because it can be more suitable for use in batch files than KF itself. KFCD - A free demo version of KFC is available at Internet archive sites, e.g. ftp.hawaii.edu/pub/rec/kites/simulation/kfd/kfcd_1xx.zip where xx is the appropriate version number. The KFCD version can only handle small routines (e.g. most STACK/AKA routines). KF(C)P - Most people cannot get either of these versions. they are prototypes containing functionality which has not been released yet. It exists for development purposes and is only available for those who develop KF1 routines for future release of KF. Hardware requirements? ---------------------- All versions run on MS-DOS and require a 80286 and EGA or better. A 80386 or better is recommended. A numeric coprocessor is used if available. Is KiteFlight commercial? ------------------------- Depends on how you look at it: the publisher, distributors and stores who sell the 'commercial' version basically do this to make a living. It also costs money to professionally duplicate floppies, print color inlays, and ship floppies in CD-boxes. For my part, in 1994 I earned $400 Dutch guilders in royalties from sales of the commercial version and I spent roughly the same amount upgrading to the latest Borland C++ compiler in order to keep the program state-of-the-art. I would not call that commercial (and some would call that stupid). Medium-term plans for enhancements? ----------------------------------- * add speed control per kite (planned for KF 2.0) * simplify synchronisation in multi-kite routines (planned for KF 2.0) * add function to create bitmapped files (GIF? PCX?) * display "running Segment indicator" during routine animation * ability to skip directly to any Segment * incorporate Borland's 286 DOS extender -> access to all available memory Comments on priorities are welcome. Who is already using KiteFlight? -------------------------------- The following teams/individuals are known to be active/enthousiastic users: Netherlands: Dike Hoppers, Dust Devils, Sky Bandits Belgium: HighLife Germany: Wolkenkratzer, Fun Unlimited Finland: Simo Salanne USA: Tsunami (World Champions 1994), Ron Reich, Michael Graves There are obviously many users (well known or otherwise) who I don't know about. The records show that only active users with Internet access bother to register. Odds and ends ------------- * A copy of KFCD seems to have turned up on a CD-ROM from the US. Jean-Marc Henry: which CD-ROM? which version of KFCD? * The initial responses to KFP and KFCP (with experimental speed control) are enthousiastic. * A French translation of the book Stunt Kites II is "en route". Help wanted ----------- 1. I am interested in users who are willing to submit their routines for future distribution. Preferably from well-known teams (but they don't *all* have to be world champions) with access to E-mail. 2. I am interested in any reviews of KiteFlight. I do see the most familiar kite magazines, but I obviously have no idea what gets published in local newsletters, or in countries like Australia, Japan or even France. 3. Contributions to future issues of this NewsLetter (tips, complaints, news). 4. An MS-Windows guru who can explain why KF runs less well under Windows than under DOS or OS/2. I am particularly interested about what I can do about this. I currently suspect my sub-millisecond timing routine (reads 8283/8284 chip). -=-=-=-